Doodads and words.OH does she love words.Big ones. Obscure ones. Funny-sounding ones.I think she reads the dictionary.Shhhhhh.You didn't hear that from me.

She's that friend that texts when she knows I'm weary.

Or deeply discouraged.

She's that friend that asks the questions.

All.the.questions.To.all.the.people.

And I LOVE that about her.She's 100% others focused.

She's inquisitive and reflective.She's brilliant with people; she can read them, she can pull things out of them, she can listen to them. All of it.

She's thoughtful and contemplative.

She wonders about things

that the average Joe would never consider.

She's a giggler.

And a hope infuser.

When I don't believe I can tackle the problem in front of me,

she believes I can.

Like, she really, actually believes I can.

Sometimes you need that friend that cries with you when

you get the news that your dad has cancer.

Or you gained weight instead of losing it.

Or you don't think you're good at your business.

Or you yelled at your kids. Again.

Her faith.

Oh, her faith.

It's beautiful.

It's strong.

And rock solid.It's deep and profound.When I wonder why there is pediatric cancer in the world,she's my go-to friend to talk that through.Not that she has all the answers,because none of us do,but she's a safe one to ask the questions alongside.

When I'm scared to chase my big dreams,she believes I should.

She's a preacher's kid, just like me.Which most people really don't understand.But she does.She actually gets that chapter of my story.

She let's me be meand likes me as me.And she knows me.Like she knows my issues.And my hang-ups.And my sin.And my junk.And she still wants to be my friend.How crazy is THAT?

I guess the bottom line?She's safe.And she loves me because I'm me.

And THAT,is about as good as it gets in a friendship.

Melissa, you're brave.And smart.And beautiful outside and in.And fun.And a million things more.I'm so thankful for you!Soak up that AZ sun by the pool today.I'm only slightly jealous.Next time,let's do your updated headshots in Arizona.

Deal?Deal."The road to a friend's house is never long."An old Danish proverb.

Comments

So this brings tears to my eyes. Thank you for putting into words what many of us know to be true about Melissa. You are a friend to be treasured! And when you go on that world wide search of antiques, I will not be left behind!

I'm a self-proclaimed outgoing introvert, who loves photography, writing, reading, adventure, social justice, travel, being outdoors and much more. I love being Jack's wife and Maddie and Jackson's mama. I love Jesus, I love helping others, and love to laugh!